It has taken me too many years to understand the Hero’s Journey, but now it’s like a head slap…duh!

I first watched Rudy, and then October Sky. In both movies, the premise of the Hero’s Journey was so obvious I was shaking my head as I watched. The call to adventure jumps out and lands in your lap. The Hero develops a huge desire, one that drives him day and night. He runs into obstacles; has helpers, and a true mentor; still faces challenges, and almost gives up. But with a desire so strong no obstacle could dissuade our hero.

I spent 38 years as a high school football and basketball coach, and I was familiar with the film “Rudy” and the general story, but I had not actually watched the film until now. To say I was enthralled with the movie is a real understatement. I had watched many, many young men striving for massive goals, some achieving theirs and others falling short.

And, thanks to Facebook, I have been able to follow so many of these young men throughout their lives, see their growth and progress, watch their families grow, and watch so many achievements from humble beginnings to massive successes.

“Rudy” focuses on a typical “average” kid who made a decision to not settle for “average.” His dream was not small. He wasn’t content with being a Notre Dame fan. He wanted to “be” Notre Dame. His love for football, and all things Notre Dame was so strong he sacrificed everything…family, job, girlfriend, friends…to go for it.

When he needed it most, encouragement from helpers and mentors appeared to keep his fire burning and help him overcome the hurdles that constantly popped up in his path. His love for Notre Dame was so strong that no obstacle could keep him down, and something really big was percolating…Rudy gradually earned the respect of his teammates.

Once that happened his dream was assured. As seconds ticked off the clock, chants from teammates spread to the crowd, and soon “Rudy, Rudy, Rudy” could be heard all over the stadium. Rudy had completed his hero’s journey!

I watched October Sky and watched the exact same scenario develop. The same definite purpose, the same doubts, the same obstacles, the appearance of helpers and mentors, and little successes followed by gradually bigger successes, and the Hero’s Journey successfully runs its course.

A bonus 3rd Hero’s Journey popped up on Christmas Day. Due to widespread flu with the grandkids Christmas had to be delayed, so my wife and I decided to go to see a movie. Thinking the theater would be mostly empty we arrived just in time to get the last seats for what turned out to be an excellent movie and I witnessed my third Hero’s Journey of the week.

I wholeheartedly recommend “The Boys in the Boat”, the story of the underdog overcoming all odds to compete for the gold medal for rowing in the 1936 Olympics held in Berlin, Germany. I won’t spoil the joys of the drama but I will let you enjoy watching each of the elements of the Hero’s Journey. I think you’ll agree this movie should join the list of movies for the next class to watch!